Musical highlight: Eliza Doolittle conquers the Vienna Volksoper!

Musical highlight: Eliza Doolittle conquers the Vienna Volksoper!

On December 27, 2024, the eagerly awaited premiere of the successful musical “My Fair Lady” took place at the Vienna Volksoper. The main actors Markus Meyer, who appears as Professor Higgins, and Paula Nocker, who plays the role of Eliza Doolittle, spoke in an exclusive interview with “Krone”. Nocker, who is celebrated for her performance, explained how her musical heritage, particularly her grandfather's influence, shaped her. “I have always sung and acting was nothing more than a further development for me,” she revealed.

Although the musical's story is told about the transformation of a simple flower seller, it stimulates contemporary discussions. Meyer and Nocker emphasize the cultural value of the work and its relevance in today's society. Meyer notes that the play is seen from the perspective of Higgins as a scientist who wants to help Eliza. But the issue of power and personal freedom is not ignored either. Nocker noted, "The characters have their own agendas, and viewers often see in the story how these dynamic relationships should be addressed."

The dramatic turning point

The plot of the story unfolds as Eliza, who is taken into the care of Higgins, transforms from a street girl to an elegant lady. Her big moment comes at the embassy ball, where she attracts everyone's attention - especially that of young Freddy Eynsford-Hill. But the enthusiasm is short-lived when Eliza realizes that Higgins hardly takes her feelings into account. In a fit of desperation, she leaves Higgins' house, causing him to sense her absence. These turning points show the conflicts and challenges that the characters must endure.

My Fair Lady thus forces viewers to think about challenging topics such as identity and social norms while being entertained. The impressive musical numbers and deep character development make the piece a milestone in the theater landscape. As Nocker aptly said, “It’s important to tell the stories that shaped us to see how far we’ve come.” Meyer provided the musical design with “You live in the street” and Nocker with “I’m used to her face!”, both of which perfectly reflect the essence of their characters. The musical, brought into the spotlight by the “Krone” and Tuacahn, is an indispensable part of theater culture and will be remembered.

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